On April 26, 2025, the Nevada State Legislature convened a joint meeting of the Senate Committee on Finance and the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means to discuss critical budgetary matters, particularly focusing on the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and the ongoing financial management of state projects.

The meeting highlighted the allocation of approximately $173.4 million for fiscal year 2026 and $73.6 million for fiscal year 2027, aimed at continuing previously approved projects funded by ARPA. However, concerns were raised regarding the potential for unspent funds as agencies may not fully utilize their allocations by the end of fiscal year 2025. A pie chart presented during the meeting illustrated the distribution of the total $2.7 billion in ARPA funds, which has been fully obligated.

A significant discussion point was the need for technical adjustments to align budgetary authority with the actions of the committees during the budget closing process. The committees were asked to approve a letter of intent directing the governor's finance office to provide regular updates on the status of ARPA funds, ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of these resources.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing delays in the publication of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) by the State Controller's Office, attributed to staffing shortages and increased data complexity stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee expressed concerns over these delays, which could negatively impact budget planning and the state's financial management. To address this, a budget amendment was proposed to allocate $489,000 for additional staffing to expedite the ACFR process.

Furthermore, the committee discussed the continuation of positions funded by ARPA, emphasizing the importance of retaining key personnel to manage federal awards and ensure compliance with financial policies. The governor's recommendation included funding for four positions, which are crucial for the preparation of the ACFR and the management of federal awards.

In addition to these discussions, the meeting covered the CoreDOT NV project, which is undergoing significant changes in its implementation timeline. The governor's office proposed a one-time appropriation of $80 million to continue this project, which aims to modernize the state's financial and human resource systems. The committee was urged to consider the implications of funding structures and the necessity of ongoing appropriations versus one-time funding.

In conclusion, the joint meeting underscored the importance of effective financial management and transparency in the use of federal funds. The decisions made during this session will have lasting impacts on the state's budgetary health and its ability to respond to ongoing financial challenges. The committees are expected to continue monitoring the implementation of these decisions and the overall management of state resources in the coming months.